It’s 2018, and we’ve all heard the phrase “New Year, New You”…but here’s the thing: being you is actually the best, because you’re the only you there could ever be! So instead of trying to reinvent yourself, why not read some nonfiction books to help yourself be the smartest, most interesting, well-informed person you could be? (Also, you’ll know so much it will be impossible not to impress people at parties.)

1776, by David McCullough
Hamilton fans, if you can’t get enough of Revolutionary history, this book is your next read. It follows both the North American and British sides of the conflict, and focuses on two leaders in particular: George Washington, and Red Coat commander William Howe. Factual but fun to read, American history that won’t put you to sleep.

Alexander Hamilton, by Ron Chernow
Another mandatory pick for Hamilton fans; the book the musical is based on! Follow Hamilton’s haunting upbringing as a poor, but brilliant kid in the Caribbean who travels to America with the hope of changing the world…and the downfall he could not recover from.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot
This true story confronts the collision of science and systemic racism with the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without her consent for study…and are still living today.

The Origins of Totalitarianism, by Hannah Arendt
History can certainly inform the present….that is, if we the people aren’t informed. This book starts in the 1800’s and continues through World War I. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, history is history, and it never hurts to remember it.

The Six Wives of Henry VIII, by Alison Weir
On to a more scandalous historical figure…or six of them, actually! The wives of Henry VIII had interesting lives before they met him, and his impact on their lives—and in some cases, their deaths—altered history. Full of juicy details, this reads like a novel.

Cleopatra, A Life, by Stacy SchiffWho WAS Cleopatra, a woman built into life by myth and legend? Historian Stacy Schiff gives you access to her palace and a world that you MUST read to believe: incest, murder, poison, infidelity, and more…why isn’t there a TV show about her again?

MAUS I, by Art Spiegelman
I first read this book when I was young, but the story has stayed with me forever. The author shares the story of his father’s experience during the holocaust in graphic novel form, using animals instead of humans to detail the horrifying experience.

We Were Eight Years In Power, by Ta-Nehisi Coates
This collection of essays that follow President Obama’s two terms is a fascinating deep-dive into how race impacted Obama’s presidency and the ensuing 2016 election.

The New Jim Crow, by Michelle AlexanderHere’s an uncomfortable truth: The ripple effects of slavery and Jim Crow are still here due to a systemic mass incarceration problem, essentially enslaving millions of black men and women behind bars. Learn about this system of oppression in this difficult, but important book.

Night, by Elie Wiesel
This classic autobiography of one man’s journey to survive the Holocaust is a gripping portrait of both the depths of evil—and the precipice of hope—that human beings are capable of.

How Google Works, by Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg
With terms like “net neutrality” leading in the news, it’s important to become informed on the intersection of tech and government…and where best to start than with Google? Learn about their founding history, philosophy, and what it takes to succeed there.

How We Got to Now, by Steven JohnsonThe modern world wasn’t built in a day, but it did innovate to evolve. This book is great for history buffs and factoid-finders (and maybe a reluctant reader or two, because there are illustrations!).

The Crown, by Robert LaceySeason Two of the hit Netflix TV show has aired, you’ve marathoned it already, and you want more! Check out the book the show is based on and relive all the shocking and emotional moments, this time on the page.

Mistress of the Vatican, by Eleanor HermanThis salacious non-fiction history delves into the sordid and secretive history of the Vatican, and the forgotten woman who helped a man become Pope.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, by Mark Manson
Look, 2017 was a rough year. So maybe the secret to success is not caring so much? Read this book and pass along the gospel of not giving a f*ck to your friends.

Love Warrior, by Glennon Doyle
Glennon Doyle shares the heartbreaking story of learning her husband was unfaithful, and how she took her broken marriage and used the opportunity to piece herself back together again.

It’s Okay to Laugh, by Nora McIerneyThis memoir about a woman’s journey through becoming a young, widowed mother (and losing her father shortly after her husband’s death) is surprisingly hilarious. That’s what Nora does: she uses dark humor to guide herself through grief, and if you could use a little bit of that, this book is for you.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X, by Malcolm XA definitive figure of the Civil Rights Movement, Malcom X’s biography is essential reading when it comes to understanding current race relations in the United States. Learn about his upbringing, his conversion to Islam, and his activism.

Devil’s Bargain, by Joshua Green
Moving from the past political situation to the present, this book is essential reading for newfound politicos who want to enter 2018 informed and engaged. It details Steve Bannon’s relationship with President Trump, and what it took to get him elected.

Spark Joy, by Marie KondoWe all need a little more joy in our lives, so consult organizational specialist Marie Kondo for the ways you can get rid of clutter and make room in your heart for objects and people that make you happy.

Bullies, by Alex AbramovichA fascinating story of a man who befriends his childhood bully later in life, this story can teach you about reaching beyond your bubble, finding common ground in common pain, and the importance of forgiveness.

Hidden Figures, by Margot Lee Shetterly
Math is not my thing, but reading the story of the brilliant black women who got us to the moon totally is. These women worked as “human computers” and calculated what we would need to win the space race, but their stories have been lost to history until now.

Stamped from the Beginning, by Ibram X. KendiBe an informed citizen and read this detailed account of racism in America. Using the stories of prominent American intellectuals to frame the debates of assimilationists, segregationists, racists, and allies.

Being Nixon, by Evan ThomasLearn about the man behind the Watergate scandal: his background with a troubled older brother, his service in the Navy, and his political ascent. We tend to define historical figures by one event, and this biography shares the whole picture.

In the Garden of Beasts, by Erik LarsonImagine being an American in the government….working with Adolf Hitler. This fascinating true story follows the Ambassador to Hitler’s Third Reich, William E. Dodd, and his family, as they enter the garden, are charmed by the snake, and witness the atrocities firsthand.

Escape from Camp 14, by Blaine Harden
We know most things about Hitler’s Germany, but North Korea’s totalitarian regime is still, in many ways, a mystery. This is the haunting story of a person born inside a North Korean prison camp who escaped—after witnessing the executions of his family, being taught to distrust his fellow prisoners, and even fighting his mother for food.

Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson
The definitive text on the urgency of man-made harm to planet Earth, this book follows the banning of DDT and the sweeping reform that followed.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, by Elena FavilliThis book rides the border between fiction and non-fiction, but I’ll allow it, because it’s so cool. Reinvented stories about amazing women throughout history using fairytales as a framing device? Read this book yourself, then get it for everyone you know.

What Happened, by Hillary ClintonHave you been living under a rock, or are just too busy/depressed/overwhelmed to deal with politics? Start 2018 on an informed note by reading the first female candidate for President’s account of the 2016 election.

World Without Mind, by Franklin FoerTechnology is the defining innovation of our time…but is it also the greatest threat? This book tracks the history of technological innovation, especially on the internet, and how it presents unseen dangers we need to prepare ourselves for.

The Blood of Emmett Till, by Timothy B. TysonWe see stories of police brutality daily, but this story of civilian brutality had inexorable consequences on the Civil Rights Movement. Who was Emmett Till? And why has his murder shaped American history?

Shrill, by Lindy WestThis memoir-slash-lifestyle guide for how to be a loud feminist who takes up space in a world that often wants women to be quiet, sweet, and invisible, is full of true stories about the importance of speaking out, showing up, and not caring if people call you “shrill.”

Sex Object, by Jessica ValentiThis book, on a similar theme, explores the impacts of sexism on the day-to-day lives of women.

Muslim Girl, by Amani Al-KhatahtbehThis painful and beautiful memoir details the reality of growing up Muslim in the wake of 9/11, and how Amani struggling with the impact of Islamophobia before launching her groundbreaking website.

Orientalism, by Edward SaidThe origins of the problematic view of “orientalism” still persists, but this classic book breaks down the cultural and political perspectives of the Middle and Near East, aiming to combat prejudiced western philosophy.

Welcome to the Universe, by Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Michael A. Strauss, and J. Richard GottSomething for the science nerd! (Or, aspiring science nerd.) Take a tour of the universe (literally) with renowned scientists explaining planets, aliens, and so much more.

Salt: A World History, by Mark KurlanskyHave you ever thought of the history of things we use every day, and totally take for granted? I never thought of salt as having a history, but it does, and this interesting book details where it comes from, and why it matters so much.

Cooked, by Michael PollanThis memoir is one of the most unique on the list, structurally and content-wise! It follows a food writer’s journey through exploring the different ways we cook things—with fire, water, air, and earth—and mastering the techniques we use to perfect our food.

Yes Please, by Amy PohelerA funny memoir by one of the best comediennes ever, read about Amy’s (rough) beginnings in Hollywood, her persistent optimism, and why she loves being funny.

Bossypants, by Tina FeyIf you read Amy’s memoir, you have to read her BFF’s! Tina Fey is wry, witty, and has lots to say on what it takes to succeed as a woman in a man’s world in this hilarious book.

Wild, by Cheryl StrayedWhen your life collapses and there’s nothing left, where do you go? For Cheryl Strayed, to the Pacific Crest Trail, to figure out what she wants and who she wants to be by putting her body to the ultimate physical test.

Unbroken, by Laura HillenbrandThe story of a pilot brought down during World War II begins with a boy who would become an Olympian, despite a difficult childhood with a tendency towards defiance. It’s that defiance which saved his life years later in the Pacific Ocean, with only a life raft to guide him home.

Victoria the Queen, by Julia BairdShe was fifth in line for the throne, and only a teenager, but she became Queen. The second longest-reigning Queen in history, Victoria led a fascinating, passionate life: all of which is detailed in this book!

A Season With the Witch, by J.W. OckerSalem is an infamous place, ground zero to the 1692 Witch Trials. So when this writer decided to move his family to Salem in 2015 to experience Halloween in the most infamous stomping ground for witches.

Radium Girls, by Kate MooreRadium is everywhere; in everything, and considered an essential ingredient to the beauty industry during World War I. But there is a dark underbelly to this element, experienced by girls working in factories to produce it who suddenly become ill.

Year of Yes, by Shonda RhimesPart how-to guide, part memoir, this uplifting (and short, perfect for commutes!) read by showrunner and TV writer extraordinaire Shonda Rhimes is the guide to positivity you need going into 2018.

We Should All be Feminists, by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieBased on her incredible TED Talk, this book explores the intersections of women’s issues, politics, and race using the author’s own experience against the backdrop of history.

Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay
Roxane Gay’s essays on what it means to be a woman of color in the modern age are funny and profound, and touch upon everything from pop-culture, how Hollywood approaches rape, privilege, and much more. You’ll certainly impress at a cocktail party with some insights from this one.

There is no greater celebration of the summer season than getting outdoors and immersing ourselves in nature. No matter what region you call home, there is sure to be a gorgeous trail somewhere nearby that is calling your name. The reads below will help motivate you to shut off the TV, pack a picnic lunch, some sunscreen and some bug spray, and get out there! Whether you’re thru-hiking, day-hiking, or just thinking about hiking, these books fit just as nicely in a rucksack as on a nightstand.

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, by Bill BrysonA Walk in the Woods has become a hiking classic in the nearly 20 years since its first publication, and it’s easy to see why. Travel writer Bill Bryson shares his journey to rediscover his home country after living abroad for many years. On his way from Georgia to Maine via the Appalachian Trail, he encounters a whole cast of characters: some funny, some infuriating, and some four-legged. Bryson’s deep love of the forests of the American East is well balanced by his snarky humor and malcontentedness. A Walk in the Woods is sure to snag an honorary place on your bookshelf after hiking season is through.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, by Cheryl StrayedCheryl Strayed had already had a series of hard knocks in her 22 years on Earth when she decided to set out on one of the most daunting hikes in the United States: the Pacific Crest Trail. The West’s answer to the Appalachian, the Pacific Crest is decidedly more desolate, rockier, and has a considerably denser population of snakes. Having just weathered tragedy after tragedy in her personal life and armed with very little hiking experience, Strayed starts out with a massively overfilled pack and an even heavier heart. By the time her journey ends, she has lightened both loads considerably.

Nature/Walking, by Ralph Waldo Emerson & Henry David ThoreauSomeone, somewhere had the genius idea of putting these two Transcendentalist essays together in one volume, and the result is a twin ode to the spiritual power of a walk in the woods. Whatever your faith or philosophy, it is easy to connect to the awe and majesty that these two great minds conjure up for the great outdoors. Both authors write in the ornately crafted style of their time, which only increases the sense of wonder and reverence for the beauty of the American landscape contained in this slim volume. Once you’ve read it, you will have a much tougher time spending a beautiful Saturday on the couch.

A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf, by John MuirSpeaking of 19th century nature icons, there never lived a more tireless advocate for the American landscape than John Muir. An avid hiker, conservationist, and camping buddy of Theodore Roosevelt, Muir can be largely credited with opening America’s eyes to its own beauty. In this book, he details his trek from Indiana to the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in the aftermath of the Civil War. Kind of makes you think, Hey, if a guy in the 1860s could walk from the Midwest to Mexico, I can probably get outside for an hour or two today. That’s the spirit—John Muir would be proud of you.

Hiking the Continental Divide Trail: One Woman’s Journey, by Jennifer HansonWhen Army captain and consummate outdoorswoman Jennifer Hanson and her husband Greg set out to hike the Continental Divide Trail together, they expect to finish it together. However, thanks to a series of setbacks, delays, and injuries—Hanson’s husband Greg has to drop out with 900 miles left in the journey. Hanson has to dig deep to find the grit she knows she has in order to make it through one of the toughest hikes there is. The resulting tale of adventure reminds us of that core tenet of hiking: expect the unexpected.

Appalachian Trials, the Psychological and Emotional Guide to Successfully Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail, by Zach DavisThere are lots of books that can instruct you on the logistics of how to prepare for a serious hike: how to find and purify drinking water, what shoes are best, and so on. However, there are far fewer books that help you cope with the emotional rollercoaster of a long hike. Thankfully, Appalachian Trials does both. From the sky-high triumphs of reaching a coveted summit to the desperation of losing a necessary piece of gear, this book details what it is actually like to hike the AT. If you’re on the fence about pushing your hiking limits, you can count on this book to give you a no-nonsense account of what you’re in for. Luckily, Davis is just as honest about the highs as he is about the lows—which is probably why this book has such a reputation for motivating folks to take the plunge on thru-hiking once and for all. Whether you get out on the trail for a day or a month, remember to take Davis’ advice and “Enjoy it.”

Audiobooks are a great way to pass the time on a long drive or to make your commute a little more entertaining, but not every book is the best choice for every road trip. Whether you are out exploring with family, friends, or a caravan of adventure-seeking souls, carefully consider which books to load on your listening device. For example, each of the books below are fun and thought provoking stories worthy of the time spent reading them, but they might not make a great road trip audio fodder. Instead of listening to these with your kids, or sensitive friends and family, plug in your headphones and enjoy the thrill of hearing a good book alone. Maybe grab some jazzy soundtracks to sing along with on your trip with Grandma; that’s usually a safe bet.

Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades Trilogy #1), by E L James
While this is probably an obvious no-go for a trip with kids, also consider the adults in the car too. True story, my husband and I tried to listen to this while driving across the country…and we just couldn’t. We felt at turns silly, awkward, and extremely interested in the world outside the car. The book is a fun read, and the audio is super entertaining for a solo listener, but it might not be the group share you thought it was.

Breaking Dawn, by Stephenie Meyer, Ilyana Kadushin, and Matt Walters
While the Twilight series is a fun supernatural YA read, it gets darker as it goes along, and fourth (and final) installment Breaking Dawn might be a little blush-worthy with the kids in the backseat. So, although we totally understand your desire to the the “cool” parent who is into all the books that the kids are reading these days, spare your tweens the urgent need to avoid eye contact with you for the next few hours and instead let them enjoy this book with their headphones on. Then you can listen to new Justin Timberlake single by yourself without their judging. Win-win!

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1), by George R. R. Martin and Roy Dotrice
The TV adaptation is of course insanely popular, so it makes sense that fans of the show might be interested in discovering the books it is based on during a long road trip. And if all of your passengers are already familiar with the sex, violence, and dragons involved, then go for it! But if not, maybe spare that one rider who isn’t into all things Stark from a group listening session. Alternatively, send your outlier friend the books beforehand so they can prepare, or listen to the soundtrack on the road to make the ride seem more epic (and then binge watch every episode on the hotel’s free HBO channel).

American Gods, by Neil Gaiman and George Guidall
At turns thought-provoking, funny, dark, and unexpected, this unique book is a great reflection of American culture. But (or because of this), there are also some rather graphic sex scenes and a fair amount of profanity. A group of tight-knit, like-minded buddies will probably enjoy listening to this on a funky, soul searching kind of road trip, but American Gods probably isn’t your best bet for a family jaunt to see the grandparents. For younger kids, and some impressionable teens, not all of the characters are great role models, and a lot of the philosophy may be little overwhelming.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, by Cheryl Strayed
You might think that a book about soul-searching travel would be an amazing audiobook for a road trip. Well, if you’re on a solo excursion, definitely listen to this book; twice if you have the time. But since it depicts a struggle with depression and addiction, the passing of a beloved figure, and a bit of sex, this memoir might make an uncomfortable companion for a family trip. For a more all-ages appropriate chronicle of a long, life-changing walk, check out The Lord of the Rings(orA Walk in the Woods), and maybe save Wild for one of your own personal journeys.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume and Laura Hamilton
This a YA masterpiece, but it is one of those important, find-it-yourself kinds of YA; not one that you listen to with your parents. Judy Blume is the queen of books that every teenager should read (and that maybe parents of teenagers should reread along the way, too). The main character’s self exploration, the talk of bras and puberty, the general teenage-ness of it, just oozes awkward family listening. Instead of spending quality time trying not to look at each other in the car while listening, leave the book (or a download of the audio) for your budding teenager as a summer gift. Later in life your kids will thank you for sharing, and for not listening to it in the car with you this summer.

The Cuckoo’s Calling (Cormoran Strike Series #1), by Robert Galbraith, J. K. Rowling, and Robert Glenister
Yes, this is the other fantastic J.K. Rowling series—but just because your family loved listening to the entire Harry Potter canon during your last road trip, does not mean that you should pick up the Cormoran Strike series next. Written as a classic crime thriller full of well-drawn characters and Britishisms, it involves is a fair amount of violence, profanity, sex, and discussions about all of the above. Like most of the other books mentioned here, a group of adult friends would probably enjoy trying to solve the murder of Lula Landry, but leave this one on the shelf when you head to Disneyland with the kids in the car.

“Antagonist” is one of the most frequently misunderstood words in the literary world. Many make the mistake of assuming a story’s antagonist is, by definition, evil, but an antagonist is merely a force, character, or group that opposes the protagonist (who, similarly, is not necessarily heroic). Good and evil need not come into it, only opposition. While in most books (fiction and non), the antagonist is a person, throughout history, writers have also pitted characters—or themselves—against nature. These five books aren’t the only examples of Mother Nature as antagonist, but they’re among the best.

Walden, by Henry David Thoreau
Perhaps the most famous memoir in American history, Walden tells the story of Thoreau’s great experiment in simple living: the two-plus years he spent living in a cabin, being self-sufficient and living apart from the modern world (of mid-19th-century Massachusetts). Thoreau’s goal was to inspire introspection, free of the bustle of the wider world, and to meet the challenge of living a simple life in a cabin he built himself, free from support or constraint. While the memoir is contemplative and philosophical instead of action-packed, nature is clearly the opposing force in Thoreau’s tale. If you only vaguely remember Walden from school, dust it off and read it again—it remains a powerful journey.

Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer
The sad, unnecessary death of Christopher McCandless is a haunting story of hubris or stupidity, depending on your point of view—but in either scenario, the antagonist was certainly nature itself. McCandless gave away his college fund, left home, and ventured into the Alaskan wilderness with a bag of rice, a rifle, a camera, and some books. He planned to live off the land, and survived for about 100 days before dying of, essentially, starvation (though the exact cause of death remains a point of contention). Whatever actually happened, McCandless was a young man who sought to test himself against nature—and lost. Krakauer’s book is a beautiful study of a tragedy that can still teach us lessons today about understanding our limits.

Wild, by Cheryl Strayed
The recent film adaptation has brought Cheryl Strayed’s terrific memoir into the spotlight again, and it remains a powerful reading experience. At the age of 26, after the death of her mother and heroin use had destabilized her life in almost every way, Strayed embarked on a hike along the Pacific Coast Trail, eventually walking more than 1,100 miles on a journey of self-discovery no less powerful than Thoreau’s for being born out of dysfunction and tragedy. Strayed writes with a surprisingly assured and confident style, with an economy of words that allows the experiences she’s describing to stand on their own. If you’ve seen the movie, read the book for a more personal experience.

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, by Stephen King
People might assume the dated baseball reference baked into this book means the story itself is dated, but the fact is, it remains as fresh as ever, and one of King’s more interesting novels. Trisha, nine years old and bored while on a hike with her brother and mother—and upset over her parents’ impending divorce—gets lost and must find a way to survive in the wilderness with few resources. As her physical state declines, she begins to hallucinate, experiencing visions of her baseball hero, former Boston reliever Tom Gordon, and imagines the God of the Lost (symbolized by a giant bear) hunting her. Trisha demonstrates believable but surprising common sense as she attempts to mitigate her circumstances and survive against the true “God of the Lost”—nature itself.

Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer
Krakauer once again shows us how nature is always our antagonist, whether we realize it or not. While researching a magazine article about the commercialization of climbing Mount Everest and guide companies promising wealthy amateurs the opportunity to stand atop the summit in relative safety, Krakauer got more than he bargained for. A freak storm killed eight climbers, including some of the best-known in the world, and left dozens of others—including himself—in desperate straits. His tale of survival remains one of the most harrowing committed to paper. Above the mountain’s “Dead Zone,” nature is all there is, and it does not like human beings. The story continues to be adapted at regular intervals, but so far no one has quite captured its sadness, desperation, and heroism.

Does your mailman scowl when he comes to your house? Maybe it’s because you subscribe to enough magazines to cover a doctor’s office. Of course, we get it—who wouldn’t want to live in the calm, elegant homes in Martha Stewart Living or wander through the buzzing hive of ideas and research that must live somewhere inside The Atlantic? Reading a magazine can be a short and sweet, perfectly satisfying treat. But what if you need a bigger, book-sized escape? Check out our book recommendations for magazine lovers below:

If you like Martha Stewart Living, you’ll love Paper to Petal, by Rebecca Thuss and Patrick Farrell
Rebecca Thuss’s exquisite paper flowers are a favorite in the pages of Martha Stewart Living, and this DIY coffee-table book shows you exactly how to create your own floral masterpieces. Spending a creative, peaceful afternoon surrounded by your elegant craft studio? It’s a good thing.

If you like The Atlantic, you’ll love A Sideways Look at Time, by Jay Griffiths
Dive deeper than those oh-so-deep Atlantic articles into a philosophical and cultural exploration of the mother of all subjects: Time. This book is guaranteed to blow your mind at least once.

If you like Popular Science, you’ll love Gulp, by Mary Roach
No one gets bored reading a Mary Roach book. Whether she’s investigating the lifecycle of a cadaver or what it really means to be an astronaut, Roach’s writing is smart, funny, and filled with unforgettable tidbits. In her latest book, she takes on the weird and powerful, ooey-gooey world of digestion.

If you like O Magazine, you’ll love The Signature of All Things, by Elizabeth Gilbert
Finally out in paperback, this epic and intimate explores everything from moss to love and science to what it means to be a woman. Just like listening to your grandmother’s stories about coming to America with the shawl on her back, it will make you want to Live Your Best Life.

If you like Outside Magazine, you’ll love Wild, by Cheryl Strayed
Weekend warriors and everyday naturalists alike will enjoy this memoir of one woman’s journey to hike all 2,663 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. Literary, warm, inspired, and raw, it will leave you smiling on your next run through the woods.

If you like Elle, you’ll love The Fortune Hunter, by Daisy Goodwin
The author of The American Heiress is back with a luscious new story, perfect for those who daydream about sunning themselves by the pool with the sophisticated and sexy ladies of Elle. This story follows a beautiful empress in 19th-century Europe, and just like The American Heiress, it’s packed with gossip, money grabbing, and heavy hearts.

If you like Sports Illustrated, you’ll love The Closer, by Mariano Rivera with Wayne Coffey
Discover what life is like for pro baseball players from legendary Yankee pitcher Mariano Rivera. This honest and humble memoir invites fans to join Rivera on the mound and celebrate his championships, competitive spirit, and faith.

If you like Self, you’ll love Practical Paleo, by Diane Sanfilippo
So maybe there is something to this paleo craze, but who has time to prep meals for eight hours on weekends and race home to grill a hamburger every night? This beautiful cookbook includes 120 easy-to-master recipes, meal plans, and advice for everyone from newbies to squeaky-clean, hardcore paleo heads.

If you like Time, you’ll love How the World Sees You, by Sally Hogshead
No one reads the headlines because they really care, right? They just don’t want to be caught off guard at the water cooler. But sometimes, the headlines are actually fascinating—really. The latest and greatest science of fascination is making headlines and topping the charts as it promises to help you understand how the world sees you—and how you can use that to your advantage.